Covenant News

Covenanter Receives Humanitarian Award from Fed Ex

IRON MOUNTAIN, MI (February 18, 2004) - Bill Phillips of First Covenant Church was recently honored by FedEx Freight with the company's Humanitarian Award at an event in Baltimore, Maryland.

Phillips, a city driver for FedEx Freight, has been working with his company since 2002. He was one of nine employees to be honored at the January 23 celebration. Phillips was recognized for his quick thinking in response to an accident he witnessed last October as he was beginning his normal delivery route.

While waiting to turn onto a highway in the Upper Peninsula town of Quinnesec, a pickup truck swerved in front of Phillips, trying to avoid an accident that had already occurred. The pickup truck then hit a semi truck. Bill (a volunteer fireman for 16 years) pried open the pickup truck door while checking on the driver.

He called 911 on his cell phone and stayed with the driver until emergency medical service and police arrived.

"Bill's quick thinking and immediate action very likely saved this motorist's life," said Frank Hurst, Managing Director of Regional Operations for FedEx Freight out of Summit, Illinois. Hurst was on site on the day of the accident and nominated Phillips for the award.

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